‘I’m not asking for anything’ – Antonelli says potential F1 promotion ‘still a dream’ as he waits for Mercedes to make decision

Kimi Antonelli has opened up on the prospect of becoming a Formula 1 driver amid continued speculation linking him to Mercedes in 2025, with the teenager stating that he would take the opportunity “with eagerness” if offered while insisting that his focus remains on the current F2 campaign.

After Lewis Hamilton announced his surprise switch to Ferrari for next season back in February, there has been much focus on who will partner George Russell at the squad. Antonelli is one of the names that has been frequently mentioned amid the 17-year-old’s impressive rise through the motorsport ranks.

READ MORE: Shovlin explains why ‘naturally gifted’ Antonelli stands out as he assesses whether Mercedes’ progress impacts second seat decision

Currently competing in his debut Formula 2 season after bypassing F3, Antonelli caught the eye by winning the Italian F4 and ADAC F4 titles in 2022 and the Formula Regional Middle East and European Championships, earning him praise from the likes of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

However, with the Silver Arrows yet to confirm who will fill their vacancy in 2025, Antonelli is not getting ahead of himself when it comes to the possibility of stepping up to F1.

“I'm very happy to be considered, but I'm not asking for anything," the Italian told Motorsport.com. "At the moment my goal is to do well in Formula 2, then we'll see.

"I still see it as a dream. Yes, I did happen to think about it, but it is a passing thought. In all honesty I can tell you that for me today it is still a dream. We'll see if it comes true."

Racing in Formula 1 would likely bring increased scrutiny on Antonelli – who is currently sitting in seventh place of the drivers’ standings in F2 – yet this is something that the young driver would not be overly concerned about.

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“Some degree of worry I think is always there, the prospect of not being able to perform I think frightens everyone," Antonelli explained. "My approach is to see it as a great opportunity to learn, grow and also enjoy the moment.

"I'm not afraid of being judged, I know Mercedes has a clear opinion about my potential, already this season in F2 the championship didn't kick off in the best way but there were no negative thoughts.

"I am quite calm, if the opportunity presented itself to me I would take it with eagerness and try to make the most of it.

"Recently there has been some pressure on me with all the rumours about next year, but I have always tried to enjoy it. I'm enjoying the opportunities I have."

Antonelli has already had a taste of F1 machinery, having tested Mercedes’ 2021 challenger at Austria’s Red Bull Ring in April amid mixed weather conditions.

READ MORE: Allison explains how ‘pretty bloody good’ Antonelli is developing and if he’s ready for F1

"It was a really great experience," the Formula 2 driver recalled. "I carried that excitement with me through the first lap too, even if the conditions were not the best, it was raining and in the afternoon it even snowed!

"Then on the second day the track improved and in the dry the performance emerged; power, deceleration, aerodynamic load. It was crazy. When I arrived at the track I just opened the door of the garage and was shocked to see how many people were there, both engineers and mechanics, all to run a single car.

"And you have to be able to answer and provide a lot of information when they ask you questions. It took me a while to get used to it, but now everything already seems normal to me.”